Research the history of American and German expatriates in Mexico during World War II. Why were people like Shannon, Hannah, and Maxine drawn there?

Compare and contrast Shannon with another sexual character, Stanley Kowalski from Tennessee Williams's play A Streetcar Named Desire. Why are both emotional cripples? How do they deal with their sexual desires?

Explore the psychology behind Shannon's story of his mother and how it affects the sexual choices he makes with women.

Research the iguana and its habits. What does the animal's characteristics add to its symbolic meaning in The Night of the Iguana? Where else has the iguana been used in art?